Gus Poyet hopes to sign 29-year-old centre-back before pre-season training in
a fortnight's time despite rejection of £4m bid

Sunderland are set to make an improved bid for Swansea City centre-back Ashley Williams this week after a £4m offer was rejected at the start of the month.

Williams is keen to move to the Stadium of Light and has informed Swansea he does not want to extend a contract that only has one year left to run.

Swansea, though, are keen to keep their captain and hope to persuade him to stay by improving his personal terms, even though he has told them he wants to leave this summer after six years at the club.

The Welsh club believe the “very good” contract they have offered reflects his status at the club, although Telegraph Sport understands Williams will earn more if he moves to Sunderland.

The 29-year-old is seen a priority target for Sunderland manager Gus Poyet, who is not only impressed with Williams as a defender, but also as a leader in the dressing room. He is seen as an ideal replacement for veteran defenders John O'Shea and Wes Brown.